Princess Cruises has completed a two-week drydock in Singapore, introducing a series of enhancements aboard Royal Princess ahead of the ship’s 2026-27 Australia and New Zealand season.
The 3,595-guest ship emerged from its Oct. 16-30 refurbishment with several additions, including the debut of the Sanctuary Collection, new and expanded dining and beverage venues, an upgraded casino and refreshed retail spaces.
The enhancements are part of Princess Cruises‘ broader rollout of the Sanctuary Collection across five Royal-Class ships, giving guests more options for an elevated onboard experience.
Sanctuary Collection Makes Its Royal Princess Debut
Royal Princess now offers newly constructed oceanview staterooms within the collection, along with suites, mini-suites, deluxe balcony and balcony accommodations. The Sanctuary Restaurant, reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Collection guests, has also opened on Deck 6 adjacent to the Concerto Dining Room.
The ship’s drydock also added 20 guest cabins: six mini-suites, seven oceanview staterooms, two interior staterooms and five single interior staterooms.
New Dining and Bar Experiences Transform the Piazza
Royal Princess has refreshed its signature Piazza with two enhanced venues designed to give guests more options for dining and socializing. O’Malley’s Irish Pub takes over the former Vines location on Deck 5, bringing the popular Princess pub concept to the ship.
Nearby, Bellini’s has expanded into the former Photo Gallery space, creating a larger setting overlooking the Piazza. Guests can enjoy the bar’s signature Bellini-inspired cocktails, champagne, sparkling wines and other specialty beverages.
Casino and Retail Spaces Receive Upgrades
The Princess Casino has been reconfigured to create a more open gaming environment and accommodate additional slot machines. The redesign also removes the staircase connecting Decks 6 and 7, allowing the casino floor to expand.
Shopping options have also received attention. The Effy jewelry boutique has been refreshed to provide an enhanced setting for exploring the brand’s fine jewelry collections. The Shops of Princess have also been upgraded as part of the transition to new onboard retail partner Starboard.
Royal Princess Heads to Australia for 2026-27 Season
Following its Singapore drydock, Royal Princess heads to Sydney for the 2026-27 cruise season, offering voyages throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The ship is one of three Princess vessels sailing in the region during the season, which features 42 unique itineraries and 62 departures.
What Advisors Should Know
Royal Princess’s upgrades give travel advisors several new selling points when presenting Princess Cruises to clients, particularly those considering Australia and New Zealand itineraries.
For more information, visit princess.com.
